Ring-rusty Helston left to lick their wounds after sub-standard display

MIDFIELDER Charlie Young was the unluckiest man on the pitch in this SWPL Premier contest at an icy Kellaway Park on Saturday, writes Matt Dixon.

The Blues’ number 8 was outstanding throughout - winning tackles, setting up his front players and creating the hosts’ only goal with a barnstorming run - a performance that did not warrant being on the losing side.

Unfortunately for Young, there were too many of his team mates that were slightly off colour in what was the first Saturday home match since before Christmas.

The home side had the bulk of the territory aided by a strong, biting wind in the first half, but too often the telling final ball was found wanting.

The first effort on goal came from a typical piece of good work from Young, who first won his challenge near the half way line before spreading play to Dan Stidwell on the inside right channel.

His first touch bounced up invitingly and he let fly with a splendid 30-yard shot which was tipped over the bar by Adam Seedhouse-Evans, whose name is almost as spectacular as his save.

The visitors took the lead when a mishit clearance was picked up by Will Richards, whose low cross was turned into his own net by the retreating Hugh Howlett.

Home keeper Barrie Wyatt then made a fine point blank save from Adam Beech and then made an even better stop from Brandon Parsons, with Tom Beddow unable to turn in the rebound at the back post.

Young then found Stidwell again and his early curler towards the far post was dealt with comfortably enough by Seedhouse-Evans.

Helston probably felt aggrieved to be trailing at the break, but soon restored parity in the 52nd minute.

Beddow dawdled on the ball deep in Blues’ territory and when he was dispossessed, Young ran 50 yards before releasing Jamie Thirkle with a perfectly-weighted pass and he produced a delightful finish over the top of the advancing keeper.

Thirkle’s clever flick around the corner then set Mattie Buchan on a run and his superb shot was destined for the far corner until Seedhouse-Evans produced a magnificent full-length, fingertip save.

Shortly afterwards on 69 minutes, Cullompton’s winner arrived when Helston failed to clear a set piece and the impressive Richards was on hand to fizz an angled, left-footed drive into the bottom corner.

After 75 immaculate minutes, Young finally gave the ball away when his speculative left foot shot flew high over the crossbar.

Helston huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser and Thirkle ought to have scored his second with just a minute of the 90 remaining, but despite having two bites of the cherry from close range, he was unable to beat Seedhouse-Evans.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here